Hamels Scratched, Aumont Steps In

Cole Hamels will not make his scheduled start today against the Cardinals. He was scratched due to a mild hamstring strain. Have no fear, however–it doesn’t appear to be enough for a trip to the DL. In his place, Phillippe Aumont (remember him?) will get the call. He’s been pretty good in Triple-A this year, posting a 2.35 ERA. His last ten outings have been starts, where he’s posted a 2.55 ERA in 53 innings. He’s tossed an average of 90.1 pitches in those ten starts, so it certainly appears that he’s got the stamina. The question is whether or not he can make it on this Phillies team as a starter. He’s out of options, meaning he could potentially elect free agency if he goes unclaimed through waivers.

One of his biggest issues he had as a reliever was his WHIP. No Phillies reliever with at least 30 innings pitched from 2012-2014 had a higher WHIP than Aumont’s 1.89. In his ten starts for the IronPigs this year, he posted a 1.42 WHIP. Phillies starters this year have posted a 1.39 WHIP, so if Aumont can pitch they way he’s been pitching in those last ten starts, he’ll be okay. The Phillies and Cardinals square off tonight at 7:05 at Citizens Bank Park.